University of Queensland receives $3.6 million nanotechnology infrastructure funding

(Nanowerk News) Groundbreaking research into nanotechnology and advanced polymers will be accelerated with $3.6 million in infrastructure funding awarded to The University of Queensland (UQ) today.

UQ was awarded funding for 10 projects under the Australian Research Council's 2011 Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme, including $720,000 for an ultra-high resolution and advanced analytical scanning electron microscope facility.

Project leader, Professor John Drennan, from UQ's Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, said the new scanning electron microscope would allow a wider range of materials to be analysed, including nanometre sized particles and polymers.

"The new microscope will fill a gap in scanning electron microscopy facilities in Queensland and make possible advancements in cutting-edge research into advanced polymers and nano particles," Professor Drennan said.

"This includes research into new-generation circuitry for electronics being conducted by UQ's Australian Institute for Bioengineering Nanotechnology."

The LIEF grants are aimed at facilitating infrastructure partnerships with other research organisations. Queensland University of Technology is a partner with UQ for the electron microscope grant, which will allow them to replace some equipment in their own microscopy facility.

UQ's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Max Lu congratulated UQ researchers who had received infrastructure grants - the second largest share of the $30 million awarded to institutions across Australia.

"These grants will allow the development of essential infrastructure and facilities that will benefit research conducted at UQ for many years to come," Professor Lu said.

"The grants also reflect the strong partnerships that UQ has with other research organisations around Australia to further important research and innovation."